Defenseman – Walk to the Middle (Video)
A defenseman’s ability to quickly move laterally to the middle of the ice at the point while maintaining control of the puck and properly reading options is a skill often overlooked. In this 7-minute video we cover the techniques, teaching points, and visual references for defenseman to improve their blue-line mobility.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpT8X4wjUlM
Forehand Side Key Points
- 2 Main Options
- Backward quick start
- explosive first steps – cover distance quickly
- move toward the blue line to create additional space between yourself and the attacker
- head up as you move so you can see your options
- feet can go outside the blue line
- Forward quick start
- explosive first steps – cover distance quickly
- head up
- when you’re ready to move the puck, bring the puck under your body so you can use your stick’s flex to put a hard shot on net (or hard pass to an option)
Backhand Key Points
- 2 Main Options
- Backward quick start
- explosive first steps – cover distance quickly
- move toward the blue line to create additional space between yourself and the attacker
- head up as you move so you can see your options
- bring the across your body to your forehand side quickly to increase your strength with the puck and improve your shooting angle
- feet can go outside the blue line
- Forward quick start
- explosive first steps – cover distance quickly
- head up
- bring the across your body to your forehand side quickly to increase your strength with the puck and improve your shooting angle
- protect the puck with your body
Reading the Shooting Lane Key Points
- Read your lane from the “eyes of the puck” – players often see the lane (openings in coverage) based on their body position rather than from where the puck is traveling.
- If the opponents body is in the pucks lane to the net, look for a short-side, back door, or safe (corner) option.
- If the opponents body is coming toward your body, you typically have a lane to move the puck directly to the net.
Related Video :: Backward Quick Starts
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9rfpFENmpY
